Sewell Construction scoops two awards for Leeds project in just three weeks

Sewell Construction is celebrating after scooping a second award for its work on Leeds City College’s Print Hall.

The team won the Building Conservation category in the prestigious Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Awards in Harrogate on May 13.

It comes just three weeks after they secured the Committed to Heritage and Refurbishment Award in the Committed to Construction in Humber and West Yorkshire Awards 2016, run by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

Situated in the South Bank area of Leeds city centre, the project saw the historic Print Hall building returned to its former glory, providing a unique learning environment for students. The historical importance of the building has been respected and its character preserved.

Now, the project is in with a chance of winning the coveted Project of the Year prize at the Grand Final in London in October.

Sewell Project Manager Mark Dodgson said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this award, especially after winning the first award on April 22. It’s testament to the effort of everyone involved that we have achieved these accolades.

“The Print Hall is a truly iconic project and part of an education hub in an area which is seeing ongoing regeneration.

“To win these two prestigious awards is amazing for Sewell Construction but also the project delivery companies, as this single team approach secured a brilliant outcome for a leading education provider through best practice and innovation.”

Work started on site in December 2014 and finished in June 2015, with the building forming part of a wider Printworks Campus redevelopment by Sewell.

Set against the backdrop of the Grade II listed former Alf Cooke Printworks, the college has created a world class teaching environment whilst ensuring the historic significance of the Print Hall is celebrated and showcased.

Detailed consultations allowed the team to respond to the existing features of the Print Hall, minimising the need to modify the environment and limit any intrusive works that could compromise the character of the former industrial space.

Parties involved in the Print Hall project include architects Fuse Studios, project management, structural and service engineering by AECOM, cost management from Turner and Townsend, supervising from Monaghans, and mechanical and electrical installation by G&H Building Services.

Jason Challender, Director of Physical Resources at Leeds City College, said: “We’re thrilled to have beat off stiff competition to win yet another esteemed award for the small print hall.

“It recognises the hard work that has gone into transforming this iconic landmark. We’re committed to providing exceptional learning environments for our students and the Printworks Campus does just that.

“The three-storey building now houses hair and beauty services, state-of-the-art IT and library facilities, student workspaces and flexible learning zones.

“We’re now excited to be going head-to-head with other projects for the coveted Project of the Year prize, whilst our work with Sewell continues on the development of phase three of the building which promises to be just as innovative and vibrant.”

The Grand Final will take place at the London Hilton Park Lane Hotel on October 14 and each regional category award winner will attend.

Download the RICS 2016 winner’s brochure here to learn more about the Leeds City College’s Print Hall and the other winners.